SATURDAY, JUNE 28, 2008

MICHAEL TURNER PASSES AWAY

Aspen Comics founder and one of the most popular comics artists of the past decade, Michael Turner, has died.

Turner had been fighting cancer since 2000 before succumbing Friday night. He was 37.

From Aspen's Vince Hernandez:

"Unfortunately it's with great sadness that I must inform everyone that Michael Turner tragically passed away last night, June 27 at approximately 10:42 p.m. in Santa Monica, Ca. Turner had been dealing with recent health complications arisen in the past few weeks. More details concerning Turner's passing, and services, will be given shortly."

Anyone wishing to send condolences to Michael Turner's family is encouraged by Aspen to send to:

Aspen MLT, Inc.

C/O Michael Turner

5855 Green Valley Circle, Suite 111

Culver City, Calif., 90230

Aspen also encourages anyone wishing to make a charitable donation to send to Turner's requested charity:

The American Cancer Society, http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp.

WANTED NO. 2 AT BOX OFFICE

Universal's Wanted, based on the comic book by Mark Millar and J.G. Jones, finished second at the box office on its opening day on Friday with a better-than-expected $18.8 million.

Disney's Wall-E was No. 1 with $23.1 million.

Wanted should easily eclipse the pre-wekend estimates, mostly in the $35-million range.

The Incredible Hulk placed fifth on Friday with $2.8 million, pushing its total to $109.1 million.

SEPTEMBER SOLICITATIONS ROUNDUP

For previously posted September solicitations, click on the publishers' names below: